IPC분류정보
국가/구분 |
United States(US) Patent
등록
|
국제특허분류(IPC7판) |
|
출원번호 |
UP-0596148
(2005-05-10)
|
등록번호 |
US-7540570
(2009-07-01)
|
국제출원번호 |
PCT/US05/016398
(2005-05-10)
|
§371/§102 date |
20061109
(20061109)
|
국제공개번호 |
WO05/110777
(2005-11-24)
|
발명자
/ 주소 |
|
대리인 / 주소 |
|
인용정보 |
피인용 횟수 :
3 인용 특허 :
18 |
초록
▼
A wheel shock absorbing apparatus includes: a hub, one or more bearings seated within the hub, and an axle. At least two outer end caps, each with an axle mounting hole and an offset inwardly opening cavity, enclose the ends of the hub. A springing element is positioned within each cavity in the end
A wheel shock absorbing apparatus includes: a hub, one or more bearings seated within the hub, and an axle. At least two outer end caps, each with an axle mounting hole and an offset inwardly opening cavity, enclose the ends of the hub. A springing element is positioned within each cavity in the end caps, and an inner body unit is located between the outer end caps. An actuation stud projects from the inner body unit into the cavities to contact the springing element. Fastening elements secure the outer end caps together on opposite side of the inner body unit. A pivot stud allows the respective outer end caps and inner body unit to pivot with respect to one another, which causes the actuation stud to contact the spring element, which absorbs shocks as the wheel travels over a surface during locomotion of a vehicle.
대표청구항
▼
What is claimed is: 1. A wheel shock absorbing apparatus having a hub, a wheel installed on the hub, one or more bearings seated within the hub, and an axle running therethrough as is known in the art to together generally form a wheel assembly useful for achieving locomotion of a vehicle, wherein
What is claimed is: 1. A wheel shock absorbing apparatus having a hub, a wheel installed on the hub, one or more bearings seated within the hub, and an axle running therethrough as is known in the art to together generally form a wheel assembly useful for achieving locomotion of a vehicle, wherein the improvement comprises: at least two outer end caps having an inner surface and an outer surface, each outer end cap comprising an axle mounting hole and an axially inwardly-opening cavity radially offset from each axle mounting hole; at least one springing element positioned within each cavity; an inner body unit positioned substantially between the outer end caps and comprising at least one actuation stud oriented so as to project into each cavity and selectively contact the at least one springing element; a means for pivoting the outer end caps relative to the inner body unit; and a means for fastening the outer end caps together such that the respective inner surfaces are opposite one another about the inner body unit and the at least one springing element is trapped within each respective cavity; and wherein: the axle about which the hub and wheel rotate is installed in each axle mounting hole; and the pivoting means extends between the respective outer end caps and the inner body unit, whereby the outer end caps and the inner body unit pivot with respect to one another to cause the at least one actuation stud to contact the at least one springing element so as to absorb shocks as the wheel travels over a surface during locomotion of the vehicle. 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the pivoting means is a pivot stud projecting axially inwardly from each outer end cap radially offset from each axle mounting hole and each cavity; the inner body unit further comprises at least two inner end caps installed on opposite axial sides of the hub, each inner end cap comprising a clearance hole through which the axle passes and a pivot stud hole radially offset from the clearance hole and configured to receive the pivot stud so as to facilitate pivoting between the inner end caps and the respective outer end caps about the pivot stud; and the actuation stud projects axially outwardly from each inner end cap into each cavity formed in the respective outer end caps. 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein: each inner end cap further comprises an axially inwardly-projecting boss positioned substantially about each clearance hole and a means for assembling the inner end caps together such that the clearance holes are substantially aligned and the respective bosses are rigidly connected substantially adjacent to one another so as to form the inner body unit; and the bearings seated within the hub are mounted on the bosses so that the hub and the wheel rotate about the inner body unit, whereby rigidly mounting the outer end caps to the vehicle enables the wheel assembled to the inner body unit to deflect substantially vertically as the inner body unit pivots on the pivot studs relative to the respective outer end caps against the resistance of the at least one springing element within each cavity of the outer end caps engaged by each actuation stud formed on the respective inner end caps. 4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein: the inner body unit further comprises an axial center tube having an axial through hole through which the axle passes; each inner end cap further comprises a means for assembling the inner end caps together about the center tube such that the respective clearance holes and the through hole are substantially aligned and the inner end caps are rigidly connected to the center tube so as to form the inner body unit; and the bearings seated within the hub are mounted on the center tube so that the hub and the wheel rotate about the inner body unit, whereby rigidly mounting the outer end caps to the vehicle enables the wheel assembled to the inner body unit to deflect substantially vertically as the inner body unit pivots on the pivot studs relative to the respective outer end caps against the resistance of the at least one springing element within each cavity of the outer end caps engaged by actuation stud formed on the respective inner end caps. 5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein each pivot stud hole is equipped with a bushing. 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: each outer end cap further comprises an end cap pivot stud hole radially offset from each axle mounting hole and each axially inwardly-opening cavity; the pivoting means is two pivot studs configured to engage each end cap pivot stud hole; the inner body unit further comprises an axial center tube installed substantially concentrically within the hub, the center tube comprising an axial through hole continuous between opposite ends of the center tube and through which the axle passes and a center tube pivot stud hole formed in each end of the center tube radially offset from the through hole and configured to receive each pivot stud so as to facilitate pivoting between the center tube and the respective outer end caps on the pivot studs; each actuation stud projects axially outwardly from each end of the center tube into each cavity formed in the respective outer end caps; and the bearings seated within the hub are mounted on the center tube so that the hub and the wheel rotate about the inner body unit, whereby rigidly mounting the outer end caps to the vehicle enables the wheel assembled to the inner body unit to deflect substantially vertically as the inner body unit pivots on the pivot studs relative to the respective outer end caps against the resistance of the at least one springing element within each cavity of the outer end caps engaged by each actuation stud formed on the respective ends of the center tube. 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein at least one pivot stud hole is equipped with a bushing. 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the outer end caps further comprise two or more threaded trajectory holes positioned substantially along an arc about each axle mounting hole; and a trajectory screw is removably fastened within a select one of the trajectory holes so as to extend substantially perpendicularly from the outer surface of each outer end cap and cooperate with a frame member of the vehicle to vary the angular deflection of the wheel with respect to the vehicle. 9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a tubular springing element installed circumferentially about the axle so as to at least selectively contact the inner body unit. 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein: the tubular springing element has a mean transverse diameter; the inner body unit further comprises an axial through hole through which the axle passes, the through hole being configured with a substantially arcuate profile defining a mean transverse distance thereacross; and the transverse diameter is substantially equivalent to the transverse distance so that frictional contact exists between the tubular springing element and the through hole. 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein: the arcuate profile further defines laterally opposite reliefs; and at least one elastomer is partially positioned within a select one of the reliefs of the through hole substantially between the axle and an interior wall of the through hole. 12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least two springing elements are positioned within each cavity, the springing elements comprising: a positive springing element engaged by the actuation stud upon movement of the wheel and hub vertically toward the vehicle; and a negative springing element engaged by the actuation stud upon movement of the wheel and hub vertically away from the vehicle. 13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the outer end caps further comprises: at least one slit passing through the axle mounting hole; and a cross-hole substantially perpendicular to the slit for clamping a portion of the axle within the outer end cap. 14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: each outer end cap further comprises a pivot stud bore radially offset from each axle mounting hole and adjacent to each cavity; the pivoting means is a pivot stud mounted to the vehicle and passing through the respective pivot stud bores; the actuation stud extends radially from the pivot stud, the actuation stud and the pivot stud together forming the inner body unit; and the outer end caps so assembled form a module. 15. The apparatus of claim 14 further comprising: an adjustment screw is threadably installed within the module so as to pass into each cavity; and a pressure block is positioned within each cavity between the adjustment screw and the springing element, whereby the resilient force of the springing element is adjusted by selectively tightening or loosening the adjustment screw so as to shift the pressure block laterally within each cavity and effectively decrease or increase the working length of the springing element. 16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein each pivot stud bore is equipped with a bushing. 17. A wheel shock absorbing apparatus having a hub, a wheel installed on the hub, one or more bearings seated within the hub, and an axle running therethrough as is known in the art to together generally form a wheel assembly useful for achieving locomotion of a vehicle, wherein the improvement comprises: at least two outer end caps having an inner surface and an outer surface, each outer end cap comprising an axle mounting hole, a pivot stud projecting axially inwardly from each outer end cap radially offset from each axle mounting hole, and an axially inwardly-opening cavity radially offset from each axle mounting hole and each pivot stud; at least one springing element positioned within each cavity; at least two inner end caps installed on opposite axial sides of the hub, each inner end cap comprising a clearance hole through which the axle passes, a pivot stud hole radially offset from the clearance hole and configured to receive each pivot stud so as to facilitate pivoting between the inner end caps and the respective outer end caps about each pivot stud, and an actuation stud radially offset from each clearance hole and each pivot stud hole and oriented so as to project outwardly from each inner end cap into each cavity of the respective outer end caps and to selectively contact the at least one springing element, each inner end cap further comprising an axially inwardly-projecting boss positioned substantially about each clearance hole and a means for assembling the inner end caps together such that the clearance holes are substantially aligned and the respective bosses are positioned substantially adjacent to one another; and a means for fastening the outer end caps together such that the respective inner surfaces are opposite one another about the inner end caps and the at least one springing element is trapped within each respective cavity; and wherein: the axle about which the hub and wheel rotate is installed in each axle mounting hole; and the bearings seated within the hub are mounted on the bosses so that the hub and the wheel rotate about the inner end caps, whereby rigidly mounting the outer end caps to the vehicle enables the wheel assembled to the inner end caps to deflect substantially vertically as the inner end caps pivot on the pivot studs relative to the respective outer end caps against the resistance of the one or more springing elements within each cavity of the outer end caps engaged by each actuation stud projecting from the respective inner end caps. 18. A wheel shock absorbing apparatus having a hub, a wheel installed on the hub, one or more bearings seated within the hub, and an axle running therethrough as is known in the art to together generally form a wheel assembly useful for achieving locomotion of a vehicle, wherein the improvement comprises: at least two outer end caps having an inner surface and an outer surface, each outer end cap comprising an axle mounting hole, a pivot stud projecting axially inwardly from each outer end cap radially offset from each axle mounting hole, and an axially inwardly-opening cavity radially offset from each axle mounting hole and each pivot stud; at least one springing element positioned within each cavity; at least two inner end caps installed on opposite axial sides of the hub, each inner end cap comprising a clearance hole through which the axle passes, a pivot stud hole offset from the clearance hole and configured to receive the pivot stud so as to facilitate pivoting between the inner end caps and the respective outer end caps about the pivot stud, and an actuation stud radially offset from each clearance hole and each pivot stud hole and oriented so as to project axially outwardly from each inner end cap into each cavity of the respective outer end caps and to selectively contact the at least one springing element; an axial center tube positioned between the respective inner and caps and having an axial through hole through which the axle passes; a means for assembling the inner end caps together about the center tube such that the respective clearance holes and the through hole are substantially aligned and the inner end caps are rigidly connected to the center tube so as to form an inner body unit; and a means for fastening the outer end caps together such that the respective inner surfaces are opposite one another about the inner end caps and the at least one springing element is trapped within the respective cavity; and wherein: the axle about which the hub and wheel rotate is installed in each axle mounting hole; and the bearings seated within the hub are mounted on the center tube so that the hub and the wheel rotate about the inner body unit, whereby rigidly mounting the outer end caps to the vehicle enables the wheel assembled to the inner body unit to deflect substantially vertically as the inner body unit pivots on the pivot studs relative to the respective outer end caps against the resistance of the one or more springing elements within each cavity of the outer end caps engaged by each actuation stud projecting from the respective inner end caps. 19. A wheel shock absorbing apparatus having a hub, a wheel installed on the hub, one or more bearings seated within the hub, and an axle running therethrough as is known in the art to together generally form a wheel assembly useful for achieving locomotion of a vehicle, wherein the improvement comprises: at least two outer end caps having an inner surface and an outer surface, each outer end cap comprising an axle mounting hole, a pivot stud hole radially offset from the axle mounting hole, and an axially inwardly-opening cavity radially offset from each axle mounting hole and each pivot stud; at least one springing element positioned within each cavity; an axial center tube installed substantially concentrically within the hub, the center tube comprising an axial through hole continuous between opposite ends of the center tube and through which the axle passes and a pivot stud projecting axially outwardly from each end of the center tube radially offset from the through hole and configured to engage the respective pivot stud holes so as to facilitate pivoting between the center tube and the respective outer end caps about the pivot studs, the center tube further comprising an actuation stud radially offset from the through hole and the pivot stud hole and oriented so as to project axially outwardly from each end of the center tube into each cavity of the respective outer end caps and to selectively contact the at least one springing element; and a means for fastening the outer end caps together such that the respective inner surfaces are opposite one another about the center tube and the at least one springing element is trapped within each respective cavity; and wherein: the axle about which the hub and wheel rotate is installed in each axle mounting hole; and the bearings seated within the hub are mounted on the center tube so that the hub and the wheel rotate about the center tube, whereby rigidly mounting the outer end caps to the vehicle enables the wheel assembled to the center tube to deflect substantially vertically as the center tube and the respective pivot studs pivot relative to the respective outer end caps against the resistance of the one or more springing elements within each cavity of the outer end caps engaged by each actuation stud formed on the respective ends of the center tube. 20. A wheel shock absorbing apparatus having a hub, a wheel installed on the hub, one or more bearings seated within the hub, and an axle running therethrough as is known in the art to together generally form a wheel assembly useful for achieving locomotion of a vehicle, wherein the improvement comprises: at least two outer end caps having an inner surface and an outer surface, each outer end cap comprising an axle mounting hole, a pivot stud bore radially offset from each axle mounting hole, and an axially inwardly-opening cavity radially offset from each axle mounting hole and adjacent to each pivot stud bore; at least one springing element positioned within each cavity; a pivot stud mounted to the vehicle and passing through the respective pivot stud bores; an actuation stud extending radially from the pivot stud and oriented so as to project axially into each cavity and selectively contact the at least one springing element; a means for fastening the outer end caps together such that the respective inner surfaces are opposite one another and the at least one springing element is trapped within each respective cavity, the outer end caps so assembled forming a module; an adjustment screw threadably installed within the module so as to pass into each cavity; and a pressure block positioned within each cavity between the adjustment screw and the springing element, whereby the resilient force of the springing element is adjusted by selectively tightening or loosening the adjustment screw so as to shift the pressure block laterally within each cavity and effectively decrease or increase the working length of the springing element; and wherein: the axle about which the hub and wheel rotate is installed in each axle mounting hole; and the pivot stud is operative between the module and the pivot stud, whereby the module and the pivot stud pivot with respect to one another to cause the actuation stud to contact the at least one springing element so as to absorb shocks as the wheel travels over a surface during locomotion of the vehicle.
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